Prospects Who Impressed on Day 3 of the NFL Combine

On Saturday, the third group of players went through drills and testing on Day 3 of the NFL Scouting Combine. This batch of prospects consisted of quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. The presumed top three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft did not participate. Nor did several of the top wideouts. However, many players did perform and improved their stock in the process.

A look at some of Saturday’s top performers.

Quarterbacks

Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Penix only participated in the throwing portion of the day, but he was awfully impressive doing so. Only four quarterbacks ran the 40-yard dash, so there wasn’t much intel to be gained there (other than BYU’s Kedon Slovis is fast). Michael Penix Jr. threw the ball deep and accurately. He appeared to do so almost effortlessly. He also had a tight spiral and looked good on timing routes as well. Some QB prospects don’t like throwing at the combine for fear of looking bad throwing to unfamiliar receivers. Penix Jr. took advantage of so few other top prospects competing and put on a show. He also had 10.5″ hands, which has become a popular measurement in recent years.

Joe Milton III, Tennessee

It would have been nice to see Milton run, but he showed some athleticism and a great arm. He had the longest broad jump (10’1″) but was not spectacular. He measured in at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds. Milton also showed off doing backflips. He looks the part of an NFL QB. But what impressed onlookers most was his deep ball. Joe Milton III has an absolute cannon of an arm. Whether this translates onto the football field during actual games has not always been the case, but Milton certainly looks good getting loose.

Running Backs

Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

Jordan Jordan was Louisville’s primary running back in 2023, but it was Isaac Guerendo turning heads at the NFL Combine. At 6-foot-0 and 221 pounds, Guerendo has a solid build. But it was his blazing speed that got everyone’s attention. He easily turned in the best 40-time from the running back group at 4.33. It was the fifth fastest time for a back at the combine ever, but none of the four faster times was by a player as big. Guerendo also posted the highest vertical of the group, 41.5″.

Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Like Guerendo, Jaylen Wright was impressive in all drills. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash. Wright also registered the best broad jump among the running back group at 11’2″. Wright measured 5-foot-10 1/2 and 210 pounds. He looked very solid. Like Guerendo, Wright has a smaller sample size on the field. He rushed for 1,013 yards last season, but it was amassed on just 137 carries. The idea of Wright now being a Day 2 pick, possibly even the first RB selected, seems a real possibility.

Cedric Benson, Florida State

Benson was the top-ranked running back on this board before the combine. He only solidified that ranking in Indianapolis. The 6-foot-0, 216-pound back ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. His vertical and broad jumps were both middle of the pack, but Trey Benson‘s speed gave a good glimpse of what he could do. Benson should be off the board on Day 2.

Wide Receivers

Rome Odunze, Washington

With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers not participating in workouts, Rome Odunze was the only player among the “Big 3” wide receivers to perform. He was extremely solid. Odunze didn’t have the same awe-inspiring performance as some others in testing, but none of the others to date are ranked nearly as highly on draft boards. Odunze’s willingness to compete is a positive (at least here) on its own. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, with elite film, Odunze just needed to be solid. He was certainly that, running a 4.45 in the 40. He finished second in the 20-yard shuttle and fourth in the three-cone drill. He also looked great in positional drills.

Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Mitchell may have secured a spot in the first round with his performance at the NFL Draft Combine. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds he looks like he could still pack on more size. He also had the longest broad jump from the group, leaping 11’4″. He also did a nice job in the drills, though he had a few drops. When that happened he quickly got back in line to redeem himself, showing good competitiveness. Hands are still a concern, but Adonai Mitchell proved he has an extremely high ceiling.

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Xavier Worthy had a 41″ vertical. He did not participate in the positional drills, which was a disappointment, but it will be hard for him to be ignored at the NFL Draft after posting an NFL Scouting Combine record in the 40-yard dash at 4.21. Wow!

OFFICIAL: 4.21

XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB

— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024